In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Moscow faced a wave of drone attacks that disrupted air travel on the night of May 6 and into the early hours of May 7, 2025. As a result, 45 flights from St. Petersburg to Moscow were delayed, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Pulkovo Airport.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, air defense forces successfully shot down approximately 19 drones aimed at the capital on the night of May 6. The situation worsened when, on the night of May 7, 17 more drones were reportedly intercepted, as the city braced for ongoing threats from aerial assaults.
Flight operations were severely affected, with restrictions implemented at major Moscow airports. Sheremetyevo Airport initiated a series of operational limitations starting at 1:00 AM, which were briefly lifted before being reintroduced at 4:25 AM and again at 5:30 AM. Similar restrictions were also enforced at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports, complicating the travel plans of many.
Pulkovo Airport, the main gateway for flights from St. Petersburg, issued warnings to passengers about potential delays due to the ongoing conflict. By the morning of May 7, a queue of delayed flights was evident on the online departure board, with 45 flights from various airlines including Aeroflot, Rossiya, Pobeda, and Ural Airlines still grounded.
Eyewitness accounts from Pulkovo Airport describe a chaotic scene, with hundreds of passengers stuck for hours as they awaited updates on their flights. Reports indicated that around 500 to 600 travelers were affected, with some receiving vouchers for food and drinks while they waited for information about the status of their flights.
"We were told the airspace was closed, and flights were delayed indefinitely," one passenger recounted. "It was frustrating not knowing when we would be able to leave." The lack of communication from the airport authorities only added to the confusion and anxiety among travelers.
In light of the escalating security situation, major Russian airports are tightening their security measures, particularly with the upcoming Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Vnukovo Airport, for instance, announced that from May 8 to May 12, passengers may be required to present printed boarding passes at the entrance, a precaution aimed at ensuring safety during the holiday period.
Sheremetyevo Airport has also taken steps to enhance security, advising travelers to arrive at least three hours before their flights. Passengers have been warned against making jokes about explosives or weapons during security screenings, as such remarks could lead to serious consequences, including being barred from flights and facing legal repercussions.
Airport officials emphasized the importance of compliance with these heightened security protocols, especially in the wake of the recent drone attacks. "We urge all passengers to be patient and understanding of the increased screening measures," stated a spokesperson for Vnukovo Airport. "Safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure a secure travel environment for everyone."
In addition to the operational changes, Pulkovo Airport has updated its screening procedures, now requiring passengers to pass their phones and keys through scanners rather than merely placing them beside the screening frame. These adjustments are part of a broader effort to enhance security across all major airports in Russia.
As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight statuses and to arrive at airports early to accommodate potential delays. The uncertainty surrounding air travel in the region underscores the impact that ongoing military tensions can have on civilian life.
The drone attacks and subsequent flight disruptions have drawn attention to the broader implications of the conflict, as Moscow grapples with the realities of modern warfare that extend beyond the battlefield. With the threat of drone warfare becoming increasingly prevalent, airports and airlines must adapt to new security challenges to protect passengers and maintain operational integrity.
In a related note, Gazprom Neft has emerged as the second-largest oil and gas company in terms of media visibility and citations for the first quarter of 2025, according to a study by the Skan-Interfax agency. This highlights the ongoing significance of the energy sector amid the geopolitical landscape.
As the region braces for further developments, the resilience of both the airports and the passengers will be tested in the coming days. With the holiday season approaching, the focus remains on ensuring safety and restoring normalcy to air travel in Moscow and beyond.
